Bécancour overview

Bécancour, Quebec

These products are manufactured with leading-edge technology and are used as bleaching or antiseptic agents in a wide variety of industries such as pulp and paper, textile, food processing, mining and metallurgy, as well as the environmental sector.

In the pulp and paper industry, hydrogen peroxide acts as an effective bleaching agent. Bleached chemical pulps may reach brightness levels as high as 90-92%.

In the chemical industry, hydrogen peroxide is an outstanding reagent for various syntheses.

In the textile industry, it is a desirable bleaching agent for natural fibers as well as synthetic fibers. Because of its compatibility with various fabric and textile dyes, it achieves a permanent whiteness without damaging the fibers.

In the pharmaceutical or medical fields, it is used as a disinfectant.

In the food processing industry, it is widely used for disinfecting and cleaning. It is also used as a sterilizing agent for the aseptic filling and packaging of milk and fruit juices.

Hydrogen peroxide is used for the purification of drinking water.

In the environmental sector, it is used in the desulphurization and deodorization of wastewaters as well as the decontamination of industrial effluents, soil and water.

In metallurgy, hydrogen peroxide in combination with sulfuric or hydrofluoric acid is used for stainless steel and aluminum surface finishing.

In the mining industry, we have already gained entry to the gold mining market. Our next target is the fishing and farming industry.

Community involvement

Citizen Committee – Although the plant is in an industrial park, we keep in close contact with the community. The Citizen Committee is managed by the citizens, and they set their own agenda. It provides us, along with two other companies in our industrial park, the opportunity to interact with the community so they are aware of our plant activities. They have the opportunity to visit us and ask questions. The Committee holds several meetings per year, which are open to the public.

Industrial Safety Group – We are one of 15 participating companies that make up Quebec’s mutual community panel. The panel shares industry concerns and works toward best practices for the industry. The purpose of the committee is to group together industrial companies, share experiences and improve safety for all.

CRAIM – We participate in the CRAIM meetings (Industrial Risks Communication Association) at the provincial level.

CMMI – We participate in the CMMI meetings (Municipal, Industrial and Community Committee) at the municipal level.

Community news

SAAQ Conference at Bécancour

As part of continued efforts to promote employee safety and safety in the workplace, employees at Arkema’s Bécancour, Quebec, Canada site participated in a seminar on the effect of driving under the influence. Under the instruction of the SAAQ (Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec or the Quebec Automobile Insurance Corporation), employees learned about the effects of drugs and alcohol, the dangerous behavior they can cause while driving and the importance of planning ahead instead of driving impaired. Employees also tested glasses that simulated impaired vision under the effects of alcohol. The seminar and information provided was greatly appreciated by all participants.

Local associations / events we sponsor

Member of Chamber of Commerce

Member of Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC)

Member of CEOP (Committee for Enterprises and Organizations in Industrial Park)

Over $500,000 Canadian per year in approved capital investments for health, safety, and environmental projects

At Becancour, Arkema produces hydrogen peroxide solutions that are pure and generally stable. The company ensures that any innovations applied to its process comply completely with research and development codes.

The manufacturing code stipulates that measures must be taken to protect employees, the community and the environment against the potentially harmful effects of its manufacturing activities.

The company has developed a health, safety and environmental guide for employees and contractors, with a charter for "Health-Safety-Environment-Quality". Effective prevention measures have been implemented and regular inspections are made.

Arkema has implemented measures to ensure that its products are transported as safely as possible and with minimal risk to the public.

Compliance with the distribution code is constantly monitored. This means that if a supplier or a distributor fails to respect the code, their services are no longer used.

The hazardous waste management code encourages member companies to find ways to reduce, reuse, recycle or recover hazardous products before considering their disposal.

Arkema evaluates the causes of all malfunctions in order to establish preventive measures and avoid repetition.

Arkema challenges our partners through regular evaluations of their progress.

As a member of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), Arkema is committed to Responsible Care®. This program of initiatives, adopted by all CIAC member companies, seeks to protect the health and safety of employees, as well as the environment and the surrounding communities. Based on three codes of good conduct, Responsible Care® ensures the safe management of chemical products throughout their manufacture, storage, handling and transportation. At Arkema, we view Responsible Care® as a part of our Total Quality Management Pledge.

Installation of an electrical outlet for electrical vehicles for our employees and visitors.

Safety record

No injuries in the last year that led to lost work time.

June 10, 1990 was the last time the Becancour plant had an accident with lost time. The plant has not had an accident with lost time for more than 25 years.

We received Arkema’s Safety Innovation Award – given to plants that excel in innovation and safety – in 2008, 2010 and 2012.

Rewards / certifications for safety, environmental, and quality

Arkema’s Becancour plant is the world's first manufacturer of hydrogen peroxide to be ISO 9002:1994 certified